Frame structure for walls

ABSTRACT

The frame structure includes at least one first element and at least one second element operably associable with each other, wherein each of the at least one first element and the second element include at least one longitudinal recess, the at least one second element having at least one end engageable along the at least one longitudinal recess of a first element, wherein the frame structure includes connection means for the reciprocal connection between overlapping portions of the first element and of the second element in correspondence at least of the end, wherein the first element includes at least one raised portion and the second element includes at least one further raised portion engageable by the raised portion by shape coupling, and in which the raised portion and the further raised portion each respectively contain at least one or more through openings.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a frame structure for the production of prefabricated walls.

In particular, the present invention relates to the connection between elements that make up such a frame structure.

BACKGROUND ART

In the prefabricated building market it is known to realize a modular structure on which to apply buffering panels to define vertical walls.

These structures provide for the use of vertical elements, such as uprights, which can be operably associable with horizontal reinforcing elements such as oblique or horizontal cross-members in order to provide a support frame.

Generally, the individual elements that make up this support frame can be metal profiles presenting a “U” shaped cross section or similar, having a concavity which, once laid, is oriented towards the inside.

The transverse and oblique elements are fixed to the vertical uprights with their ends inserted in the recess of the “U” profile of a corresponding upright or horizontal cross-member. The ends of the oblique cross-members are then fixed by riveting to the uprights or horizontal cross-members which engage by overlapping.

Generally, the ends of the oblique cross-members are cut according to a plane orthogonal to the development direction of the same cross-members.

This technical solution for fixing the upright and the ends of an oblique or horizontal cross-member by means of a single fixing point per side causes certain drawbacks. In particular, it is noted that the individual fixing points define hinges which, in the event that the frame is subjected to high stresses, may cause an undesired relative movement between uprights and cross-members, causing instability of the entire prefabricated structure.

Further, it is noted that said fixing system provides relatively small connection portions at which the holes formed for the riveted connection causes further undesired weakening. The presence of through holes in correspondence of a zone in which the material is already reduced per se can cause a weakening of the structure.

The need to have a frame structure endowed with a high resistance and able to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above in the context of a solution which is easy to use and practical to manufacture is felt as needed in the industry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The main object of the present invention is therefore to improve the state of the art of a frame structure for prefabricated constructions.

Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a frame structure which has a high resistance with particular reference to the connection portions between the individual elements constituting the structure itself.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a frame structure in which the mutual positioning between the individual components and their subsequent locking in position is facilitated.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a frame structure which has a mechanical strength higher than that of a structure of traditional type with the same thickness of the elements constituting the frame structure.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a frame structure according to the present application.

The present application refers to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, non-exclusive embodiment of a frame structure, illustrated by way of non-limiting example, in the appended drawings, wherein

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a frame structure according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a detail of a frame structure according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a section of some components of the frame structure according to the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a detail of some components of the frame structure according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the attached figures, a frame structure is generally indicated with the reference number 1.

More generally, the frame structure 1 according to the present invention is used in construction for the realization of prefabricated structures.

The frame structure 1 acts as a support to which connect the buffering panels and accessory elements, as well as to provide seats for the passage of electrical wiring, hydraulic pipes, and so on.

The frame structure 1 comprises at least a first element 2 and at least a second element 3 operably associable with each other.

The at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3 can be connected mutually inclined, for example along directions orthogonal to each other or to any other inclination.

By way of non-limiting example, the attached FIG. 1 illustrates a frame structure 1 comprising four vertically aligned first elements 2, defining uprights, operably associated with a plurality of second inclined elements 3, to define cross-members, such as to form a vertical wall to which associate panels, not shown.

It is understood that the frame structure 1 can assume any further configuration, comprising first elements 2 connected to second elements 3, without any limitation, according to specific requirements of use.

The second elements 3, in fact, have a first end associated with a first element 2 and a further opposite end, associated with a second element 2, acting as elements for strengthening the frame structure 1.

The at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3 may be shaped as “C” or “U” section profiles or similar.

The at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3 may be made of metallic material or another material, for example a composite material of the type comprising a matrix in which fibres are embedded or in general a fibre material.

In particular, the at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3 each have profiles preferably of reduced thickness. By way of example, the thickness of the at least one first element 2 and of the at least one second element 3 may be between a few millimetres up to a couple of tens of millimetres.

However, different thicknesses can be used with respect to the foregoing without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

The at least one first element 2 comprises at least one central wall 4 and two opposite side walls 5, 5′ delimiting at least one longitudinal recess between them 6.

Similarly, the at least one second element 3 comprises at least one respective central wall 7 and two respective opposite side walls 8, 8′ delimiting at least one respective longitudinal recess 9 between them.

The at least one longitudinal recess 6 can house at least one end 10 of at least one second element 3 to be connected to the at least one first element 2.

In the following description reference will be made to the connection between the at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3 at the at least one end 10 although it also means that a second end of the at least one second element 3, opposite to the first, it may be connected to an additional first element 2 according to similar modes, to compose a frame structure 1 without any limitation.

The at least one end 10 may be shaped to be positioned proximate or resting on a corresponding inner surface 11 of the at least one first element 2 (see FIG. 2).

The inner surface 11 faces inside the at least first longitudinal recess 6 and can act as abutment to prevent or at least hinder reciprocal rotation between the at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3.

The frame structure 1 comprises connection means 12 for the reciprocal connection between overlapping portions of the at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3.

In practice, the connection means 12 are configured to allow the connection between an end portion 10 of the at least one second element 3 and a portion of the at least one first element 2, with the end portion 10 of the at least one second element 3 placed inside the at least one longitudinal recess 6 of the at least one first element 2, according to modes which will be better described in the following.

The at least one first element 2 comprises at least one raised portion 13.

Similarly, the at least one second element 3 comprises at least one further raised portion 14 engageable by the at least one raised portion 13 by shape coupling, following a partial overlap between the at least one first element 2 and at least one second element 3.

In fact, the at least one raised portion 13 and the at least one further raised portion 14 promote mutual positioning between the at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3.

The at least one raised portion 13 is delimited in at least one of the side walls 5, 5′ of the at least one first element 2, in correspondence with which the at least one second element 3 is connected to the at least one first element 2.

Likewise, the at least one further raised portion 14 is delimited in at least one of the further side walls 8, 8′ of the at least one second element 3 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

In particular, the at least one further raised portion 14 is made along at least that side wall 8, 8′ which in use overlaps the side wall 5, 5′ of the at least one first element 2 carrying the raised portion 13.

The raised portion 13 protrudes from at least one of the side walls 5, 5′ of the at least one first element 2, inside the at least one longitudinal recess 6.

Likewise, the further raised portion 14 extends from at least one of the side walls 8, 8′ of the at least one second element 3, inside the at least one longitudinal recess 9.

In more detail, the at least one further raised portion 14 is made at the at least one end 10 of the at least one second element 3 (see FIG. 4), so that with at least one end 10 of the at least a second element 3 engaged in the longitudinal recess 6 of the at least one first element 2, the further raised portion 14 is engaged by the at least one raised portion 13 of the at least one first element 2.

It is understood that the at least one further raised portion 14 can also be formed at a further end of the at least one second element 3, opposite the end 10, to facilitate the connection of both ends of the at least one second element 3 with respective first elements 2.

According to a preferred version of the present invention, the at least one raised portion 13 and the at least one further raised portion 14 have a circular or substantially circular plan development. The circular configuration allows to realize a hinged connection to initially favour the positioning between the first element 2 and the second element 3 until obtaining their predetermined relative inclination.

In particular, the engagement of the at least one raised portion 13 and of the further raised portion 14 allows rotation between the at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3 so as to be able to adjust the relative inclination thereof until obtaining the predefined mutual positioning between such elements 2, 3.

The at least one raised portion 13 of the at least one first element 2 and the at least one further raised portion 14 of the at least one second element 3 each having at least one or more through openings 15, 15′ that can be engaged by connection means 12.

The connection means 12 may be of the non-removable type or of the removable type, without any limitation.

According to a version of the present invention, the connection means 12 may be of the non-removable type and comprise at least one rivet 16.

More in detail, the at least one rivet 16 is adapted to engage a through opening 15 made in the at least one first element 2, within the plan development of the at least one raised portion 13 and a corresponding through opening 15′ made in the at least one second element 3, within the plan development of the at least one further raised portion 14, with the through openings 15, 15′ aligned with each other to identify respective lights for the passage of the connection means 12.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the opposite side walls 5 of the at least one first element 2 and the respective opposite side walls 8 of the at least one second element 3 have the same height or substantially the same height.

The height refers to the distance with which the side walls 5, 5′ and the further side walls 8, 8′ extend respectively from the central wall 4 and from the further central wall 7.

The raised portion 13 can have a slightly lower development plan, equal or substantially equal to the width in height from the side wall 5, 5′ along which it is realized.

In practice, the raised portion 13, and in particular the configuration of its edges, defines a discontinuity which acts as a stiffener at the connection portion between the at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3.

The raised portion 13 allows to distribute on a wider surface the stresses that develop at the connection between the at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3.

At the same thickness of the at least one first element 2 and of the at least one second element 3, relative to elements used in traditional solutions, the presence of the at least one relief 13 and of the corresponding at least one further relief 14 allows to realize a frame structure 1 which has a greater resistance, since the single connection portions between the elements that make up the frame structure 1 have a greater stiffness and strength.

The frame structure 1 can be used for the realization of a so-called boxed system, allowing the realization of a cellular structure of considerable flexural stiffness.

According to a further version of the present invention, not illustrated in the accompanying figures, the connection means 12 may be of the removable type and comprise a threaded connection comprising a bolt or any other similar mechanical connection suitable for the purpose.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one raised portion 13 and the at least one further raised portion 14 can each comprise, within the respective overall encumbrances in plan, at least two or at least three through openings 15, 15′.

According to this version, the through openings 15, 15′ are arranged reciprocally equidistant according to the same circular symmetry inside the raised portion 13 and to the further raised portion 14.

In practice, with the at least one raised portion 13 made in the at least one first element 2 and engaged in a corresponding further relief portion 14 made in the at least one second element 3 and the through openings 15 present in the at least one first element 2 can be aligned with corresponding through openings 15′ made in the at least one second element 3.

The presence of two or more through openings 15, 15′ allows defining a stable connection between the at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3 such as to hinder the possible relative rotation between the same.

It is observed that the position with which the through openings 15, 15′ are made in the at least one raised portion 13 and in the further relief portion 14 defines the relative inclination between the at least one first element and the at least one second element 3.

In the case wherein a single through opening 15 is provided within the at least one raised portion 13 and a respective through opening 15′ is provided within the further raised portion 14, such through openings 15, 15′ may preferably be made in a decentralised position to obstruct the hinge effect due to engagement between the raised portion 13 and the further raised portion 14.

As said, in fact, the at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3 can be mutually connected with an orthogonal or inclined alignment substantially with any inclination angle included in a range between about 0° and about 180°.

According to a further version of the present invention, the at least one first element 2 may comprise at least one first raised portion 13 in correspondence with a side wall 5 and at least one second raised portion 13′ in correspondence with the other side wall 5′, wherein the at least one first raised portion 13 and the at least one second raised portion 13′ are mutually aligned along a same horizontal axis 17, developing perpendicular to the at least one first element 2 (see FIG. 4).

According to this version, the at least one second element 3 may comprise at least one first further raised portion 14 in correspondence with a side wall 8 and at least one second further raised portion 14′ in correspondence with the other side wall 8′, wherein the at least one further raised portion 14 and the at least one second further raised portion 14′ are mutually aligned and centered along a same axis 18 developing perpendicular to the at least one second element 3 (see FIG. 3).

The at least one further raised portion 14 is provided for engagement with a respective first raised portion 13 of the first element 2 and, likewise, the further second raised portion 14′ is provided for the engagement with a first raised portion 13′ of the first element 2.

In practice, with the at least one second element 3 connected to the at least one first element 2, the axis 18 is collinear or substantially collinear to the horizontal axis 17 to promote the initial hinge connection between the at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it is observed that the at least one raised portion 13 present in the at least one first element 2 may define a cavity 19 inside which connection means 12 are to be housed, in such a way that the external footprint of the same connection means 12, in use, results included within a support plane 20 identified by said at least one side wall 5, 5′ along which at least one raised portion is obtained 13 (see FIG. 3).

In this way, the opposite side walls 5, 5′ of the at least one first element 2 are configured to define a uniform support plane 20 for the covering panels which will be applied to the frame structure 1, then in the absence of undesired raised elements which may hinder the planarity of the support plane 20 and cause undesired cracks between the frame structure 1 and the panels to be applied thereto.

The at least one first element 2 may have a central wall 4 comprising one or more longitudinal reinforcement ribs 21 or at least one longitudinal relief adapted to increase the resistance of the first element 2 itself.

The at least one rib 21 can extend outwardly of the at least one longitudinal recess 6 or inside it according to specific requirements of use.

Likewise, the at least one second element 3 may have a respective central wall 7 comprising one or more further longitudinal reinforcement ribs 22 or at least one respective longitudinal relief.

According to this version, the at least one further longitudinal rib 22 can engage at least a portion of the at least one longitudinal rib 21 present in the at least one first element 2 and thus provide a support and abutment between the at least one element 2 and the at least one second element 3.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the opposite side walls 5, 5′ of the at least one first element 2 and the opposite side walls 8, 8′ of the at least one second element 3 may have their respective edges bent inwards to promote a greater safety during the handling of the at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3 themselves.

Below is a brief description of the connection between at least one first element 2 and at least one second element 3 of the frame structure 1.

At least one first element 2 is provided, comprising at least one raised portion 13 made along at least one of the side walls 5, 5′.

At least one second element 3 is provided which has an end 10 to engage inside the at least one longitudinal recess 6 of the at least one first element 2, wherein the end 10 has at least one further raised portion 14 formed along at least one of the further side walls 8, 8′.

The end 10 is inserted inside the at least one recess 6 until forcing the coupling between the at least one raised portion 13 and a respective at least one further raised portion 14.

In fact, with the at least one raised portion 13 engaged in the at least one further raised portion 14, a hinge connection is established between the at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3.

Then the at least one second element 3 is rotated relative to the first element 2 until reaching the predefined inclination between them.

Subsequently the connection means 12 are engaged within the at least one through opening 15, 15′ present in correspondence with the at least one raised portion 13 and the further raised portion 14, thus mutually constraining the at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3.

The thus formed connection between the at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3 is extremely resistant due to the presence of the at least one raised portion 13 engaging in a corresponding at least one further raised portion 14 allowing to distribute the stresses exchanging between the at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3 on a surface greater than the one offered by the connection means 12.

The raised portion 13 and the further raised portion 14 also act as a centering and abutment element to facilitate the initial positioning step between the at least one first element 2 and the at least one second element 3, thus reducing the time necessary for the realization of a frame structure 1 comprising a plurality of first elements 2 and second elements 3.

In fact, the engagement of the at least one raised portion 13 within the further raised portion 14 occurs by snap, with the emission of a relative sound, providing an objective confirmation of the correct connection between the first element 2 and the second element 3.

For the reciprocal connection between further first elements 2 and second elements 3, one proceeds in a manner similar to those previously described, in the context of an easy solution and practical realization.

The above described frame structure 1 is susceptible to several modifications and variations within the scope of protection of the following claims. 

1. A frame structure comprising at least one first element and at least one second element operably associable with each other, wherein each of said at least one first element and said one second element comprises a respective central wall and two opposite side walls delimiting at least one longitudinal recess; said at least one second element having at least one end engageable along said at least one longitudinal recess of said at least one first element; said frame structure comprising connection means for the mutual connection between overlapping portions of said at least one first element and said at least one second element in correspondence of at least one end, wherein said at least one first element comprises at least one raised portion and said at least one second element comprises, at said at least one end, said at least one further raised portion being engageable from said at least one raised portion by shape coupling, wherein said raised portion and said further raised portion each delimit at least one or more through openings and further through openings which can be overlapped to each other and can be engaged by said connection means.
 2. The frame for a structure according to claim 1, wherein said raised portion and said further raised portion have a circular or substantially circular plan development.
 3. The frame for a structure according to claim 1, wherein said at least one raised portion is delimited in at least one of said side walls of said at least one first element and said at least one further raised portion is delimited in at least one of said respective side walls of said at least one second element.
 4. The frame for a structure according to claim 1, wherein said connection means comprise at least one rivet or at least one threaded connection, of removable type, suitable for engaging said at least one through opening of said at least one first element and a corresponding further through opening of said at least one second element mutually aligned to define at least one passage opening for said connection means.
 5. The frame for a structure according to claim 1, wherein said raised portion and said further raised portion each comprise at least two or at least three through openings arranged reciprocally equidistant according to a same circular symmetry along said raised portion and said further raised portion.
 6. The frame for a structure according to claim 1, wherein said raised portion extends from at least one of said side walls inside said at least one longitudinal recess.
 7. The frame for a structure according to claim 1, wherein said at least one further raised portion extends from said at least one of said respective side walls of said at least one second element, inside said at least one respective longitudinal recess, so that with said at least one end of said at least one second element engaged in said recess of said at least one first element, said further raised portion is engaged by said raised portion.
 8. The frame for a structure according to claim 1, wherein said at least one first element comprises at least one first raised portion at a side wall and at least one second raised portion at the other side wall, wherein said at least one first raised portion and said at least one second raised portion are mutually aligned along a same horizontal axis perpendicular to said at least one first element.
 9. The frame for a structure according to claim 1, wherein said at least one second element comprises at least one first further raised portion in correspondence with a side wall and at least one second further raised portion in correspondence with the other side wall, wherein said at least one further raised portion and said at least one second further raised portion are mutually aligned along a same axis perpendicular to said at least one second element.
 10. The frame for a structure according to claim 1, wherein said raised portion is configured so as to define a cavity inside which connection means are to be housed, in such a way that the footprint of said connection means is included within a support plane identified by said at least one side wall along which at least one raised portion is obtained. 